Patricia Lynn Duckworth Read

Born on November 22, 1956, Patti was the beloved daughter of Robert D. Mann and Saralee Mann, and the granddaughter of Richard and Katharyn LaGrange and William and Louise Mann.

Patti graduated from Franklin Community High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from IUPUI and her master’s degree in counseling from Indiana University.

Patti dedicated 34 years of her life to the education and well-being of students across central Indiana. She began her career as a first-grade teacher with Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson Schools, then served as a counselor for Franklin Community Schools. She also served as a counselor for the Johnson County Youth Services Program. At Center Grove Schools, she worked as a school counselor, assistant principal, and principal. She finished her career as a school counselor at Park Tudor School. Patti found great joy and fulfillment in serving students with the highest needs.

Her professional and civic involvement included participation in the Indiana Association of School Principals, the Indiana School Counselor Association, and Leadership Johnson County. After retirement, she volunteered at Riley Children’s Hospital.

Patti’s strong faith was central to her life and contributed to her vibrant and positive spirit. She lived her beliefs with humility and kindness. She was an active member of The Garden Community Church in Indianapolis, where she served on the Board of Directors. She was formerly a member and Deacon at First United Church in Indianapolis and a member of First Presbyterian Church in Franklin.

Patti was active and full of energy. She rarely sat still—but when she did, it likely resulted in a quick nap in her favorite chair. She walked nearly every day, most joyfully along the beach at Longboat Key, Florida. She was blessed to make a final visit to her favorite place with her husband in July 2025. An avid cyclist, for decades she rode in group rides with friends and organized events, including the Hilly Hundred and a one-day 107-mile ride. Patti was a passionate gardener–her home was always filled with flowers and plants. Her spider plants’ progeny have spread nation-wide. She loved music of all kinds, especially live performances, and a dance party could start anywhere, anytime in her presence. Above all, Patti loved spending time and traveling with her family. Her warmth, kindness, and giving spirit was infectious, and her ability to connect with people and lift them up was unmatched. She truly touched everyone who knew her through her inner and outer beauty.

Patti is survived by her loving family: her husband, Michael Read; her children, Chris Duckworth and his wife Allison, Suzanne St. Rose and her husband George; and her stepchildren, Nicole Kluesener and her spouse Chris, Rosie Read, Cammie Read, Nick Read, and Lily Read. She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Scott Mann; her sister in law Dorothy Mann; and her ex-husband, Darrell Duckworth. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, and her brother, David Keith Mann. Her mother passed away on November 28, 2025.

Continuing her lifelong commitment to education, Patti generously donated her body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine. This final act of giving will contribute significantly to the advancement of health science education in the state of Indiana.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a service at 2:30 p.m. at Vision Loft (1060 North Capitol Avenue, Suite 1-102, Indianapolis, IN 26204). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kids Dance Outreach (kidsdanceoutreach.org), a non-profit organization founded to ensure children from all backgrounds and abilities can experience high-quality dance and arts education; or The Garden Community Church (thegardenonline.org).